Tadahiro Sakai

Method for presenting virtual objects to multiple fingers on two-hands using multiple single-point haptic devices

In this paper, we discuss a method for presenting virtual objects to multiple fingers on both hands using multiple single-point haptic devices operating over a network. We evaluated the effect of the number of fingers used on ability to recognize shapes using this system. The experimental results suggest that the number of contact points do not sufficiently improve the ability to recognize shapes, and the method used for recognizing object shape is rather different between using one finger and using multiple fingers.

Evaluation of size and shape perception in multi-finger haptic system

We have prototyped a multi-finger haptic system that makes it possible to present a virtual object that applies attractive force to three fingers and the palm of the right hand, and evaluated the users perception of the size and shape of an object. It was suggested from the results of a size experiment that the size perception can be conveyed more accurately by grasping the virtual object along with force feedback applied to the palm. We found from the results of a shape experiment that attractive force is mainly effective in the perception of tapering or curvature.

An evaluation of accessibility of hierarchical data structures in data broadcasting: using tactile interface for visually-impaired people

We have been developing a barrier-free information receiving system for the purpose of communicating information in digital broadcasting to visually-impaired people. In the service of data broadcasting in digital broadcasting, many items constitute the menu screen. In this report, presentation methods and access methods using touch in combination with audio for the purpose of effective communication of menu screen structure are briefly explained. Secondly, results of evaluation experiments conducted to obtain a guideline to design hierarchical presentation structures easily accessible by visually impaired people, using the tactile interface in combination with audio presentation were discussed by focusing on the hierarchical structure of menu screens in data broadcasting.

Auto-assisting figure presentation system for inclusion education

With the arrival of the age of integrated education, there is a need to develop a method to automatically transmit necessary two-dimensional information in real time to students with visual impairments. Therefore, this essay proposes a graphic display method that will allow the visually impaired to quickly and accurately understand two-dimensional information such as charts and graphs shown on a tactile display. A practical device using an off-the-rack tactile display and an inexpensive haptic presentation device was developed and evaluated to determine whether it would be effective in helping the visually impaired to understand two-dimensional information. As a result, it was proven that tactile and haptic guidance methods are significantly more effective than traditional voice guidance and presentation of uneven surfaces, and it is apparently possible to automatically present and share the necessary two-dimensional information.

Experimenting with Tactile Sense and Kinesthetic Sense Assisting System for Blind Education

In most of cases, communications based on multimedia form is inaccessible to the visually impaired. Thus, persons lacking eyesight are eager for a method that can provide them with access to progress in technology. We consider that the main important key for inclusive education is to real-timely provide materials which a teacher shows in a lesson. In this study, we present tactile sense and kinesthetic sense assisting system in order to provide figure or graphical information without an any assistant. This system gives us more effective teaching under inclusive education system.

Restoring semantics to BML content for data broadcasting accessibility

This paper proposes a method to enable visually impaired viewers to access data broadcasting content by using various accessible devices. Data broadcasting, coded in Broadcast Markup Language, has been almost inaccessible because of its usage of dynamic HTML features and lack of semantics. This method uses a template rule to transcode BML content into an accessible static description with structure and semantics. An implementation of a trial receiver system and an experiment on transcoding are described.